Published: Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at 4:45 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at 4:45 p.m.

The Florida Gators will be without starting quarterback Jeff Driskel when they open preseason camp Friday.

Driskel, a junior, underwent appendectomy surgery Tuesday at UF Health Shands Hospital and could miss the first two weeks of camp, UF coach Will Muschamp announced.

“Jeff had acute appendicitis and fortunately the medical staff caught it very quickly," Muschamp said. "His surgery went well and how long he is out will be determined by how his body responds, which could be two weeks."

The loss of Driskel could be a serious setback for a Florida offense that is hoping to show significant improvement under Driskel in his second season as the starter.

“Thanks for all the prayers and get well wishes. I should be fine #GatorNation,” Driskel wrote on his Twitter account Tuesday.

Behind Driskel, the Gators have zero experience at quarterback. They have four scholarship players, but none have played at the collegiate level at the position.

Tyler Murphy emerged as the No. 2 QB in the spring after competing with redshirt freshman Skyler Mornhinweg. Both, however, struggled with consistency and do not appear ready to take over if something happens to Driskel.

The wild card here is Chris Wilkes, a former pitcher in the San Diego Padres' farm system who left pro baseball and will be a 23-year-old freshman. He's got good size and a strong arm, but he hasn't played football in more than five years.

<p>The Florida Gators will be without starting quarterback Jeff Driskel when they open preseason camp Friday.</p><p>Driskel, a junior, underwent appendectomy surgery Tuesday at UF Health Shands Hospital and could miss the first two weeks of camp, UF coach Will Muschamp announced.</p><p>“Jeff had acute appendicitis and fortunately the medical staff caught it very quickly," Muschamp said. "His surgery went well and how long he is out will be determined by how his body responds, which could be two weeks."</p><hr/>
<center>
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/Gatorsports" target="_blank">
<img src="/assets/images/widgets/GXsports/Teezers/GXFacebookTeaserSmall.jpg"/><br />
</center>
</a>
<hr /><p>The loss of Driskel could be a serious setback for a Florida offense that is hoping to show significant improvement under Driskel in his second season as the starter.</p><p>“Thanks for all the prayers and get well wishes. I should be fine #GatorNation,” Driskel wrote on his Twitter account Tuesday.</p><p>Behind Driskel, the Gators have zero experience at quarterback. They have four scholarship players, but none have played at the collegiate level at the position.</p><p>Tyler Murphy emerged as the No. 2 QB in the spring after competing with redshirt freshman Skyler Mornhinweg. Both, however, struggled with consistency and do not appear ready to take over if something happens to Driskel.</p><p>The wild card here is Chris Wilkes, a former pitcher in the San Diego Padres' farm system who left pro baseball and will be a 23-year-old freshman. He's got good size and a strong arm, but he hasn't played football in more than five years.</p>